New life of an old military training ground

Text and photos: Mariola Weindich-Mašek

17 April 2017

Mirakulum is an amazing place, full of fantastic wooden buildings and attractions not only for children but for the whole family. The park was created in Milovice in the areas of the old Czech military training ground, now it is one of the largest places of this kind in Europe. It covers an area of 10 hectares,where there is no lack of entertainment for both children and parents.

Mirakulum is not only fun. It is also education. In fact,the park was constructed in such a way as to combine bussiness with pleasure. All wooden elements of attractions are built from acacia wood. Once it was used as firewood because of its contorted shape and unsuitability for the wood industry. In addition - while building the park the materials were used that were left after cleaning the training ground. These are for example: concrete poles, which are a part of the amphitheatre or old tires, which have now decorative functions, and are also designed to cushion possible falls.

In Mirakulum there are about 100 meters of underground labyrinths, which are very popular among children, regardless of age and gender. With torches in hands, or headlamps on their heads, the children are eager to explore the underground tunnels. After reaching the surface they can jump on one of the two huge inflatable trampolines, or swing at their hearts content at swings of different sizes. Another attraction are the mazes of hedges, in which even adults can get lost very quickly.

In the Czech park you can not only run and jump, it is also a paradise for lovers of nature and animals. An area of 4 hectares is covered by forest, where children can gain knowledge through play. They have the possibility to learn how long the trees are growing, how to use bark to identify tree species. They can also play a huge xylophone, or learn what the recycling is and how long metal, plastic or glass decompose.

The park, of course, cannot be out of animals. There are goats, donkeys, a fox, a badger, and even an owl. There is enough space to spread out a blanket or deck chair and relax in a natural surrounding.

After a day of madness you can dine in one of the four eating places or arrange a picnic on the grass.

The park is open from April to October every day except Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The last open weekend of the season is 1-2 of October, at the same time.